The Memorandum of Understanding will build upon the existing strong partnership between the organisations, providing a more formal framework for strategic collaboration.

It will strengthen the planning and delivery of skills, employability, workforce development and learning across South Lanarkshire.

The Memorandum of Understanding commits both parties to collaborative curriculum planning, data sharing, performance monitoring and the use of labour market intelligence to inform investment decisions.

Council Leader Maureen Devlin said: “I am delighted that we are formalising the already strong links we have with the college through the Memorandum of Understanding.

“It will help provide opportunities for young people across South Lanarkshire, and contributes to both the Council Plan, Connect, and the college’s wider strategy.

“Through working together, I am confident we will be able to provide employers with a single, streamlined access point to skills, training and recruitment support.”

Principal and CEO of South Lanarkshire College, Stella McManus, said: “This strategic partnership, between South Lanarkshire College and South Lanarkshire Council, is hugely welcome and will allow for the College to continue to provide opportunities for education all across South Lanarkshire.

“By working together, we are enhancing the College’s role as a community anchor and a skills educator of choice for South Lanarkshire.”